§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what initiatives he is taking to assist small and medium businesses; and if he will make a statement. [79844]
§ Mr. HainIn line with the new economic agenda for Wales, Pathway to Prosperity, the Government are keen to secure a more dynamic and competitive business base in Wales. To this end increased resources—£83 million in 1999–2000—are being made available to back business development. This substantial budget will support a wide range of activity, including
increased resources for the TEC enterprise programme supporting over 1,000 new business starts; help for 2,000 firms to tackle the Millennium Bug issue; help for over 500 Sole Traders to take on their first employee; and assistance for over 2,000 firms in addressing skills development and other business growth issues.increased resources for Regional Selective Assistance which are expected to create or safeguard 12,000 jobscontinuation of the Cymru Prosper Wales programme to help small firms benefit from the skills of graduatesthe expansion of the Innovation and Technology Counselling Service assisting some 3–4,000 firmsthe implementation of the Know-How initiative designed to help small and medium sized firms tap into the expertise of Welsh academic institutions.In addition a new business-led Management Board—Business Connect Wales Ltd.—was established on 30 March to improve co-ordination of business support in Wales and to improve the operation of the Business Connect information, advice and support service.
Following the transfer of functions, this issue will be a matter for the National Assembly.